The Municipal Act requires that Council conduct its business in an open forum. However, legislation also permits Council to close a meeting or a portion of a meeting to the public under certain circumstances; mainly when related to legal matters, personnel, or property, as discussing these items in public may be detrimental to individuals or the municipal corporation. Prior to closing a meeting or a portion of a meeting to the public, the Council must give notice and provide a general description of the matter it will be discussing in the closed session.
Requesting an Investigation of a Closed Meeting
Individuals who believe that Council improperly called or held a closed meeting may request that the matter be reviewed by an investigator whose role is to provide external, impartial investigative services to determine compliance with the Municipal Act and to report the results of such investigations to Council.
Effective January 1, 2022, the Ontario Ombudsman is the Closed Meeting Investigator for the Township of South Stormont. Members of the public may submit complaints to the Closed Meeting Investigator. All complaints will be treated as confidential and will be handled directly by the Office of the Ombudsman of Ontario. To submit a complaint, please contact the Office of the Ontario Ombudsman.
Prior to submitting a request for investigation, it is encouraged to discuss any concerns or inquiries with the Township’s Director of Corporate Services/Clerk. Please note that a fee of $125.00 is required to be paid to the Township of South Stormont upon submission of a complaint to the Closed Meeting Investigator.
Office of the Ombudsman of Ontario
483 Bay Street
10th Floor, South Tower
Toronto, ON M5G 2C9
Phone: 1-800-263-1830
info@ombudsman.on.ca
https://www.ombudsman.on.ca/